the game we play

I had a motivation class the other day in which we discussed a large amount of theory. It is interesting to study the psychology of motivation. I find it very fascinating. We discussed Abraham Maslow's 'Hierachy of Needs' of which I have been familiar with but we also discussed two other theories, one of which was similar to Maslow's but was condenced in to 3 needs (Existance, Relatedness, Growth) as opposed to Maslow's five (Physiological, Saftey, Social, Esteem, Self-Actualization). There are parts of both theories that I believe and other parts from either one that don't really agree with each other. The intreguing thing that I picked up on in the class was the simple ability to get some one to do what you want them to do in the right environment with an understanding of the principles of motivation and human needs. You can realistically stay one step ahead of an individuals moves as you expose that person to different situations. You will see him react very specifically. The key word being react. It can be quite a scary thing as you think about it that someone can know how you will react to certain situations and then make the effort to place that infront of you and as a series of dikes and channels lead you exactly as they want you. Like a game.

why fly? why the army?

September brings new adventures and possibilities to my life. I now have two weeks remaining before I swear in as an active member of the United States Army. It has been a long and at times challenging road to get to this point, but I am here and am excited to begin this new adventure. Part of my application process for the army's flight program required I write a short essay on why I want to be an Army Aviator. This is that essay:

"Why I want to be an Army Aviator.

"Helicopters and the freedom of flying has been a passion of mine since I was a young boy. I have always looked upon the helicopter as the most boundless, controllable form of flight. As I have grown and matured I have become more acquainted with this type of aircraft and the dedication and responsibilities associated with becoming a pilot. My desire to become an aviator for the United States Army is threefold. It stems from a passion for the craft, the opportunity to serve, and from the thrill of adventure.

"Passion for the craft- Since I can remember I have always admired and sought to learn about helicopters and the gift of flight they offer. I have recently more earnestly desired a career as a helicopter pilot and have started taking flight school to become an aviator. The base of my desire to become and aviator for the army comes from my intense desire to understand and master the control of this fascinating piece of machinery.

"Opportunity to Serve- I pride myself in coming from a family in which service is an honored tradition. My parents have taught me by word and example the value of hard work and service to others. I have not always been interested in joining the United States Armed Services but as I have investigated my career options and contemplated the possibilities I have found that the best option for me is to become a proud soldier of the United States Army. I love serving others and the U.S. Army is a wonderful way to serve the country which has blessed me with my personal freedom, and to serve those who stand in need or who perhaps do not yet enjoy the freedoms you and I do.

"Thrill of Adventure-I love adventure and doing new things. Adventure to me is something new, something bold. It fortifies courage and provokes thought. Adventure motivates me and recharges enthusiasm. I believe that becoming an aviator for the army will satisfy and support this craving with new perspectives, new sights, new comrades, and new challenges.

"I appreciate challenges, both large and small. I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from working through and solving challenges. I know that becoming an aviator for the Army will bring many new challenges into my life, however I am confident that these challenges will strengthen me and my abilities will strengthen those whom I serve."

proposition eight

I have been thinking lately about what I want to say here regarding this particular issue; there are so many sides to it and so many sub-arguments, where do I begin? I feel very passionately that marriage is between a man and a woman. I have just been unable to sort out my thoughts that would make sense to the reader. Politics are not really my thing. Fortunately, I read this blog the other day written by a friend of mine and he says it better than I ever could.

http://poachedfrog.com/blog/index.php?p=583

Take the time to READ these comments, then take time to SHARE them with others. As is said in the article, defining marriage is an issue for us all, not just those who live in CA.

I have also found several other sites regarding the Proposition 8 that may provide further understanding.

The Divine Institution of Marriage

ProtectMarriage.com

Family: A Proclamation to the World

Ballotpedia.org

NPR News Story

Interview with LDS Apostle Dallin H. Oaks

Two Reasons to Vote- PoachedFrog

around the house

It is not that I haven't had anything exciting or interesting to talk about, it is just that I haven't seemed to have the will to write them down or post them. I have actually had several observations that I have wanted to record and even post but never got around to getting them from my head into words. I have been a little busier lately with moving, summer adventures, my brothers wedding, and many other projects that I have been tasked to. Living at home for a season seems to do that- especially for me. My dad work hard and enjoys working his sons (and daughter) hard; there are always projects to be done, if not for others than around our house or at my grandfathers medical building. As we have all grown older the projects have not ceased but my father has become a little less inclined to do them. They are still there and needing completing so someone has to step in and take point. Somewhere in time that someone became me. How or when it happened I am uncertain; what I do know is that my dad, who once motivated my brothers and me with a look, an assertive voice, and the occasional stick, now requires and takes to my gentle motivation. So many projects- so few hours in the day!

With that said I wonder if it is possible or just contradictory to say that I want to write or have a desire to write down certain thoughts but don't have the will to? I would promulgate that my wanting to write comes from a yearning or craving, involving a passion for both recording and sharing; my lack of will stems from a laziness or a carnal disposition to not think but, simply react. Unfortunately for me (and all you who read my blog) will has more to do with character than does wanting or desire. Peculiar! This argument, or at least a form of it, has actually prodded my mind for a little while now. The underlying argument is that of desire to be righteous vs. actual action. We are judged according to thought and action but how so? Alma 41:6 says, "If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness." If I act righteously but occasionally think something I ought not what happens then? Or what if I desire to do right but occasionally act contrary to that thought? Is it in vain? I have more thought on this mater but I will not continue farther as of yet. I invite you ponder on this that each one may form his and her own thoughts on this.